Fears over plans for playground at Scientology base

David Miscavige, leader of the Church of Scientology, at the church’s base in Firhouse

Opponents of plans for a new playground at a centre in south Dublin run by the Church of Scientology have expressed concern that planning permission has been secured.

South Dublin county council has approved the project, which is located within the grounds of the former Victory Centre in Firhouse, which Scientologists bought for €6 million last year.

The controversial religion, which was founded by L Ron Hubbard, a US author, during the 1950s, has been expanding its Irish operations. Plans include a drug rehabilitation centre run by Narconon, a group widely regarded as linked to Scientology, in Ballivor, Co Meath.

The Church of Scientology has been accused of targeting families in the Firhouse area with child-friendly events, including Christmas markets and funfairs, at the 1,200-seat…